10 Underrated Paul McCartney Songs Every Fan Should Know

Paul McCartney’s name is synonymous with timeless music. From his groundbreaking work with The Beatles to his boundary-pushing solo career and contributions with Wings, McCartney has written hundreds of songs — many of which have become part of global pop culture. But beyond the radio hits like “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Live and Let Die,” lies a deep catalogue of hidden gems that often get overlooked.

Here are 10 underrated Paul McCartney songs every fan should know, spanning his entire post-Beatles career.

1. “Back Seat of My Car” – Ram (1971)
One of the highlights of Ram, this orchestral pop masterpiece blends teenage romance with sweeping arrangements and dynamic shifts. Often overshadowed by the album’s other hits, “Back Seat of My Car” shows McCartney’s knack for storytelling and melodic brilliance. It was a favorite of his late wife, Linda, and serves as a poignant love letter cloaked in youthful rebellion.

2. “Warm and Beautiful” – Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976)
A tender piano ballad dedicated to Linda McCartney, this track showcases Paul’s ability to wear his heart on his sleeve. While it never achieved chart success, “Warm and Beautiful” has a haunting simplicity that rivals some of his more famous love songs. He even re-recorded it with new orchestration in the late 1990s, cementing its emotional weight.

3. “Little Willow” – Flaming Pie (1997)
Written for Ringo Starr’s late wife, Maureen, “Little Willow” is one of the most sincere and gentle songs McCartney has ever penned. It’s stripped-down, intimate, and full of quiet strength. The emotion in both the lyrics and vocal delivery makes this a standout moment in McCartney’s later catalog.

4. “Single Pigeon” – Red Rose Speedway (1973)
This short but striking piano ballad is a hidden treasure. McCartney uses the metaphor of a pigeon to subtly explore themes of loneliness and disconnection. Its brevity only adds to its charm — a perfect example of his ability to say so much with so little.

5. “Only Mama Knows” – Memory Almost Full(2007)
This hard-hitting rock track is a surprising burst of energy from McCartney’s later years. With a gripping storyline, powerful guitars, and strong vocals, “Only Mama Knows” could easily fit alongside his Wings-era rockers. It’s an example of how Paul never lost his edge, even decades into his career.

6. “Tomorrow” – Wild Life(1971)
One of the few bright spots on the otherwise rough-edged Wild Life, “Tomorrow” is a gospel-tinged ballad with an infectious melody. Its uplifting chorus and warm arrangement reflect McCartney’s optimism and love for experimenting with vocal styles.

7. “Souvenir” – Flaming Pie(1997)
This soulful track sees McCartney channeling his inner Marvin Gaye. With a laid-back groove and vintage vocal processing, “Souvenir” is a refreshing and unexpected twist in his discography. It’s emotional without being sentimental — a true sleeper hit on Flaming Pie.

8. “Calico Skies” – Flaming Pie (1997)
Written during a hurricane in Long Island, this acoustic gem is simple, poetic, and powerful. Its anti-war message and romantic tone blend seamlessly, making it one of the most touching songs McCartney has written since his Beatles days. Yet it rarely appears in mainstream discussions of his best work.

9. “Arrow Through Me” – Back to the Egg (1979)
This smooth, funk-influenced track proves that McCartney could groove with the best of them. With its sultry bassline and falsetto vocals, “Arrow Through Me” has become a cult favorite — even sampled by Erykah Badu on “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long.” It’s a prime example of his genre-blending brilliance.

10. “I’m Carrying” – London Town (1978)
A tender, acoustic ballad that stands out on the soft and atmospheric *London Town* album. “I’m Carrying” is heartfelt, restrained, and delicately produced — it was even a favorite of George Harrison. The song proves that McCartney doesn’t need grand arrangements to move listeners.

These tracks may not have topped charts, but they represent Paul McCartney’s vast emotional range, his melodic genius, and his fearless exploration of different musical styles. For fans who want to dive deeper than the hits, these underrated songs are the true gold buried in his expansive